Brain injuries from a car accident can have diverse effects on a victim’s mind and body. If you or a loved one injured their head in a car accident in Greenville, SC, you may receive significant compensation. Please contact our team at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., for more information and speak to a Greenville car accident lawyer skilled in fighting to get what clients deserve.
How Do Car Accident Brain Injuries Happen?
Most brain injuries associated with auto collisions involve a blow to the head that causes physical trauma. The head could hit a hard surface in the vehicle, like the steering wheel or dashboard. Debris from the accident could also strike an individual and sometimes lead to a serious penetrating-head injury.
Even without the head hitting something, the sudden forces caused by a rapid deceleration in an accident can essentially cause the brain to bounce off the sides of the skull, contributing to brain injuries as well.
Brain areas affected by head trauma
The regions of the brain govern different essential functions, and the location of an injury can affect the symptoms an individual experiences. For example, a direct impact on the front of the head could harm the brain’s frontal lobe, resulting in difficulty regulating emotions and making decisions.
Injuries to the back of the head often lead to occipital lobe damage, causing blurred vision and visual illusions. Trauma that affects the temporal lobe on top of the head could result in spatial awareness problems and a lack of motor coordination. The parietal lobes are on the sides of your head, and an injury to those areas could cause memory loss and language difficulties.
Finally, car accident brain injuries that harm the brainstem can lead to coma, paralysis, or even death.
Varieties of Head and Brain Injuries
There are a wide variety of car accident head injuries that range from mild to life-altering. Some TBIs affect the brain in a widespread, diffuse manner, while others impact a single location.
Penetrative brain injuries occur when an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain, while non-penetrative injuries involve blunt trauma to the head.
Concussions and mild TBIs
Concussions are “mild” brain injuries that can result from direct blows to the head or rapid changes in speed during an accident. Although concussions tend to have less severe symptoms than some other TBIs, they can still disrupt a person’s life for months. Headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light are common symptoms from concussions. You might also experience sensory issues, persistent pain, and sleep disturbances as you recover.
Contusions and hematomas
Hematomas and contusions are brain injuries that involve bleeding and swelling that affects the brain tissue. Contusions result from damage to the brain’s small blood vessels and can occur after a high-speed collision. A hematoma involves the rupture of a large blood vessel that leads to internal bleeding in the head. These car accident brain injuries can result in altered consciousness, nausea, headaches, seizures, and slurred speech. Long-term symptoms include motor dysfunction, mood swings, memory loss, and cognitive issues.
Diffuse axonal injuries
Sudden deceleration in a car crash can also lead to diffuse axonal injuries. These complex injuries affect multiple brain areas and can result in varying symptoms, including disorientation, neurological abnormalities, and physical weakness. If someone suffers from a DAI, they could experience cognitive and behavioral changes, sensory issues, and problems with balance. In some cases, diffuse brain trauma can cause a coma.
Seeking Medical Care After an Accident
Regardless of the situation, seeing a healthcare provider soon after a car accident is a good idea. A person should seek emergency medical services immediately if the accident causes loss of consciousness, broken bones, or deep cuts. A car accident victim also needs prompt medical care for symptoms like vomiting, altered vision, confusion, and dizziness, because these symptoms can also indicate brain damage.
However, even if you have mild symptoms like fatigue or a headache, visiting a doctor can be beneficial. Early treatment of a car accident brain injury can prevent additional complications from developing. Furthermore, your medical provider can document your injury and symptoms, which provides valuable evidence if you file an insurance claim or otherwise seek compensation after an accident.
Car Accident Head Injury Settlements
A brain injury can result in expensive medical bills and cause you to miss work temporarily and sometimes permanently, creating major financial hardship. Likewise, you might experience ongoing pain, impairment, and mental health issues after your accident. Our car accident lawyers can help you seek coverage and compensation to support your recovery.
Your lawyer can help you gather evidence that strengthens your case, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements. You can also work with your attorney to negotiate with insurers and discuss a reasonable settlement. If you need to enter mediation or go to court, having an experienced attorney on your side can help you resolve conflicts and obtain a positive outcome.
Contact Us To Discuss Your Car Accident Brain Injury Case
You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a head injury from a car accident by yourself. Our lawyers at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., can assess your case and help you understand your options.
If you are living with a car accident brain injury, contact our firm in Greenville, SC, for a free consultation today.
